ENERGY-EFFICIENCY
SIPs can make homes up to 60% more energy-efficient.
TIME
This method shortens build times by as much as 50%.
Blog
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
Time, Quality, and Scalability
Building a Fortis Home vs Traditional Construction
When comparing Fortis Homes to traditional construction methods, Fortis offers clear advantages in key areas such as time, quality, and scalability. By utilizing Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and off-site construction, Fortis Homes significantly improve efficiency and sustainability in housing projects.
The architects at Design Initiative not only designed the Fortis home but also our first two SIP houses and a traditional build in Goldwire Heights in 2023. Based on research of that first phase, Design Initiative evaluated the advantages of SIP-based modular housing construction using SIPs.
Here are some of their findings.
Faster Build Times with Off-Site Construction
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One of the most significant benefits of Fortis Homes is the drastically reduced construction timeline. Traditional builds rely heavily on sequential on-site work, where tasks such as framing, plumbing, and electrical installation occur in phases, leading to frequent delays due to weather or material shortages. These projects can take months, if not years, to complete.
In contrast, Fortis Homes employ a SIP-based modular construction method, which allows much of the building process to happen off-site. SIPs are pre-assembled in a controlled environment while the foundation is prepared on-site. Once the panels are ready, they are quickly installed, drastically cutting the overall timeline. According to the Design Initiative report, this method shortens build times by as much as 50% compared to traditional construction.
How SIP-based is faster:
- Concurrent preparation: Site and foundation work is completed while panels are assembled off-site, eliminating downtime.
- Minimized weather delays: Since most of the work is done indoors, external factors like weather have little impact.
- Quick assembly: Once on-site, the pre-assembled panels fit together efficiently, reducing the time needed for framing and structural work.
As a result, homes built by Fortis can be completed in weeks instead of months, allowing developers to meet tight deadlines and serve communities faster.
Traditional construction methods are prone to inefficiencies, particularly in terms of energy use. Stick-built homes often suffer from air leaks, poor insulation, and thermal bridging, which lead to higher energy consumption and less comfort for residents. Additionally, on-site construction increases the risk of material exposure to elements, potentially compromising the home’s long-term durability.
Fortis Homes, on the other hand, are built using SIPs, which are precision-engineered in a factory setting. These panels offer exceptional insulation and airtightness, improving both the structural integrity and energy efficiency of the home. Design Initiative highlights that SIPs can make homes up to 60% more energy-efficient than those built with traditional methods, saving homeowners significant amounts in heating and cooling costs.
How SIP-based improves quality (Design Initiative):
- Tighter envelope: SIPs drastically reduce air leakage and thermal bridging, leading to improved indoor climate control and energy savings.
- Durability: Fortis Homes offer better resistance to moisture, wind, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring a longer-lasting structure with lower maintenance costs.
With energy savings that can average over $1,000 per year (Design Initiative), Fortis Homes are a more sustainable and cost-effective option for developers and homeowners alike.
Superior Quality and Energy Efficiency
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Scalability and Flexibility for Larger Projects
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Scaling traditional construction projects is notoriously difficult. Coordinating multiple contractors, managing long timelines, and ensuring consistent quality across multiple builds can quickly escalate costs and introduce delays. This makes large developments, such as affordable housing communities, especially challenging.
Fortis Homes, however, are designed for scalability. The modular construction process, combined with off-site panel fabrication, allows developers to quickly replicate designs across multiple units, without compromising on quality. Design Initiative reports that the ability to standardize the panel manufacturing process allows Fortis to easily scale projects while maintaining consistent standards across all builds.
How SIP-based enhances scalability (Design Initiative):
- Modular design: Fortis’s method allows for quick replication of panels, making it easy to scale up for large developments.
- Reduced labor dependency: With most of the assembly happening off-site, fewer workers are required on-site, simplifying the logistics for larger projects.
- Consistent quality: The factory setting ensures that every component is built to exact specifications, ensuring uniformity across all homes in a development.
For developers working on large-scale affordable housing projects, Fortis Homes provide the ability to deliver high-quality units quickly and affordably.
Traditional construction often comes with significant costs related to labor, materials, and time delays. Additionally, the long-term operational expenses for homeowners—such as energy bills and maintenance—can add up. These challenges make it difficult to deliver affordable housing on a large scale.
Fortis Homes offer a cost-effective alternative by streamlining the construction process and improving energy efficiency. The off-site fabrication of SIPs reduces waste, ensures precise use of materials, and lowers labor costs. Design Initiative estimates that this approach can reduce material waste by up to 30% and cut labor costs significantly due to shorter build times. Furthermore, the superior insulation of SIPs ensures that homes built by Fortis have lower utility costs, providing long-term savings for homeowners.
Cost-saving benefits (Design Initiative):
- Lower labor costs: Reduced on-site work means fewer contractors and lower labor expenses.
- Material efficiency: Off-site panel production minimizes waste, saving on material costs.
- Energy savings: Fortis Homes deliver substantial reductions in energy use.
These cost savings make Fortis Homes an attractive option for developers focused on creating affordable, sustainable housing solutions.
Cost-Effective Construction
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Fortis vs. Traditional Construction
SIP-based modular builds provide a better alternative to traditional construction by offering faster build times, higher-quality materials, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. With research from Design Initiative supporting these advantages, it’s clear that Fortis Homes are a forward-thinking solution for today’s housing challenges.
Whether you’re developing a single home or an entire affordable housing community, Fortis Homes offer a more sustainable, efficient, and scalable way to meet your goals
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